Jersey City Pizzeria Wins Major Pizza-Making Competitions

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Carmine's Pizza Factory is proving it is among the best pizza makers in the world.

Owner and founder Carmine Testa won two prestigious pizza making competitions recently. He won the North America Caputo Cup in Atlantic City in September. Nine days before that, he finished second in the World Championship of Pizza Makers' American Division in Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza.

Testa and his sister, Mary, own and operate Carmine's Pizza Factory and are the children of Italian immigrants. They opened Carmine's 19 years ago. Testa has been working in the pizza business when he was 13 at his father's pizzeria in Perth Amboy in 1983.

"It was a surreal feeling, almost spiritual to me, this is where my parents, my grandparents, my great-grand parents are all from," Testa said about competing in the place where pizza got it start. I was trying to prove that I belong with the other 29 people who were there. I did it not only for me, but for my ancestors, I wanted to make them proud."

For both competitions, Testa entered a traditional New York-style pizza with sweet Italian sausage, cup and char pepperoni, dabs of ricotta cheese, and fresh basil. He was honored in both the Best Traditional and American Style categories.

Although he didn't win in Italy, Testa said he felt very proud to finish as high as he did.

"Of course, if I placed first, it would have been an awesome feeling, but to come in first eight days later, it almost feels like a double win," Testa said.

Testa competes in four of five events a year. He said he enjoys the challenge.

"It's a learning process, and you don't lose your faith and your process, but you're going against people who are really good," Testa said. "I feel good that I was able to kick some doors open in Atlantic City and Naples."

Testa's sons Nicholas and Michael are renowned for their pizza throwing skills. They have appeared on "Good Morning America" and "Hell's Kitchen" and performed at the World Championship in Italy.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com